This past year was a year of extreme weather.  From excessive rain, even a hurricane, to an early surprise snow, couples in 2011 had their share of weather, especially on Saturdays!  One of the most important qualities a photographer can bring to each wedding, especially in New York, is a calm presence and confidence that, despite the weather or anything that does not go exactly as planned, you can still count on great pictures and meaningful moments that are captured for a lifetime.   Below are stories about how weather affected three couples who I had the pleasure to work with last year.

Jennifer and Kevin’s Wedding during August’s hurricane Irene at the W Hotel, Hoboken.

Despite the impending storm, Jen was ready on time and even walked to the Church from the hotel a few blocks away.   Throughout the day and early evening the clouds thickened, and maybe there was some worry, but the rain held off…we even did some portraits al fresco!

Despite the impending storm, Jen was ready on time even walked to the Church from the hotel a few blocks away.   Throughout the day and early evening the clouds thickened, and maybe there was some worry, but the rain held off and we even did some portraits al fresco.

Inside, the wedding went off flawless, here the flower girls began the ceremony procession.

When it comes down to it, weddings are about the people, the connections they have, their relationships and how they share their love and emotions.   Although dozen’s of guests cancelled, some came to the wedding and not reception, or left after the first hour of the reception, Jennifer and Kevin got so share this moment.  It’s one of my favorites of the year – all the guests and family that stayed to the end together for one last impromptu picture, each person is celebrating in their own way.  Most importantly the couple enjoyed a beautiful day with the ones they love.

Preparedness is key.  In addition to the orange sand bags put in place to prevent rising tides from entering from the Hudson river, the hotel also implemented a plan for guest, including to have beds ready for all guests and staff in the event they could not leave the hotel.  The staff at the W Hotel in Hoboken were nothing more than amazing.  When the wedding ended, I was concerned about the preservation of the files during my commute home and spent time backing up every file up, leaving a copy at the hotel prior to walking home in the two inch an hour torrential down pour.

Lilia and Rich, October snow storm at St. Patricks Cathedral, Per Se

Lilia and Rich had planned a classic New York affair having their ceremony in the heart of midtown at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  As Lilia completed the finishing touches of her hair and makeup and put on her dress. it began to rain outside.  It was late October and had been as high at 80 degrees just a few days earlier.  The trees were still green in central park with some signs of fall color and as we left to head to the church from the Waldorf Astoria where Lilia was getting ready, it began to rain harder.   With all the guests and Rich and Lilia inside the church and the hour ceremony began.    Joyously, after exchanging vows, Rich and Lilia walked down the isle and, as the church staff opened the doors, they and all the guests gasped at the snow streaming sideways in the street outside.

It was only a few feet between the church doors and the waiting car, but snow it did! 

Once safely in the car, Rich reached to put his arm around Lilia, his cold hands on her bear back! 

The scene from across the street. 

The classic Rolls Royce that the couple hired had a great heater but no windshield wipers!  The driver had to jump out at each light to wipe off snow and ice so he could see where to drive down 5th Avenue.  Once at Per Se the couple and guests were warmed by the sounds of the Mariachi Band

Jenny and Phil, June rain showers, Tuscan Villa Wedding, Italy

As often is the weather in the Tuscan Country side just outside Siena in the summer, light rain showers are regular.  This is great for agriculture and the reason that this region is such a great place for wine growers but can also lead to some damp weddings.  Jenny, Phil and her bridesmaid wait for a passing rain shower before the start of their ceremony.

Just after the ceremony the rain showers began again.  However, since their wedding was a destination wedding and all of the guests were traveling, the day was flexible and the minor rain showers allowed the couple to spend a lot time mingling with guests. 

One of the benefits of overcast skies and recent rain is beautiful skin tones and bright green foliage. 

We are thrilled to apart of the spring New York Weddings Magazine event this Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues).   Come out and meet us and a lot of other talented and creative wedding professionals.  For complete information see the New York Weddings Magazine website.  Hope to see you there!

 A photograph from Carolin and Oliver’s wedding I photographed at Plazzo Publicco, in the heart of Siena’s Campo in Tuscany, Italy won 3rd Place in Q4 WPJA contest!  Judges Comments:  ”You get the grandness of the place just like the dance.”

This was moment they had alone right after the ceremony, you can see more from Carolin and Oliver’s wedding here.

In their own words:  ”Peter and I cannot say thank you enough for all that you and your assistant did for us on the wedding day.  Working with you was so much fun and it is clear that you are wonderful at what you do!  Knowing that we were working with someone as great as you really put as at ease and we were able to enjoy every moment of our day.  Thank you for helping to make our wedding special and capture the special moments through your beautiful photos.”  Ti ringrazio, Barbie and Peter

To hear more from Barbie about her and Peter’s inspiration for their wedding, please see their wedding feature on Style Me Pretty.